Our Neighborhood

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 15, 2015

Just across the street from Distant Drums is a hiking area. Last year Joe and I never even explored this area. We were off to Sedona every chance we had which left little time for anything else. So, this year we do hope to not only return to some favorite Sedona places, but to check out state parks and national monuments in this area as well. That's the plan today anyway!

West Middle Verde Road

We spent about 21/2 hours walking, talking and taking pictures. Richie went with us...he has quite an eye with the camera!

The neighborhood...or area surrounding Distant Drums...didn't appear to be very colorful or interesting... 

until we started looking up close.



 Right off we found, (well, truth be known...Dave and Lynn pointed us...umm lead us in the right direction) dinosaur tracks.




And then, we came into an area full of delicate pops of color painted across the sandy landscape.

 

See what we would have missed!

All the colors in the rainbow!

Looking back towards Distant Drums and the valley...I'm liking the neighborhood!

Until next time, happy days and...

happy trails!

Our Front Yard

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 15, 2015

Our front yard has been a flurry of feathers! I hung the hummingbird feeder and the oriole feeder the first day we arrived. It has been less than a week and already, we have a variety of birds entertaining us.

House Finch (female)

House Finch (male)

Lesser Goldfinch (male)

Lesser Goldfinch (female)

Lesser Goldfinches have no problem mixing in with other birds...both are scrounging for seeds.

I was able to zoom in and identify a small patch of purple bordering the black chin on the blurry picture of him below.

Black Chinned Hummingbird (male)

And the grand finale...one I have been waiting a long time to photograph...the Hooded Oriole. I have seen a pair and the male is sporting his breeding color.

The male's color is so brilliant. I actually saw him first when I was at the doggie park. He was sitting in the top of the pine tree in front of Belle.  

and the mama....

Mama enjoys a hearty breakfast of oranges and grape jelly...

...while dad keeps a watchful eye.

Happy Wednesday...hope your taxes are in the mail and all is good! Up next, the neighborhood! Until then, take care and...

Across the street...

...happy trails!

Oh, and just in case you need a smile on tax day...

Miss Daisy 

...this bundle of cuteness will do the trick!